Back in 2018 it was announced that John Lewis and Marks & Spencer would be flagship shops at Croydon’s long-awaited Westfield development.

But now with the billion-pound development on hold, there’s a huge question as to whether the big names are still up for moving to Croydon?

The initial plans that were announced were for a four-storey joint John Lewis and Waitrose store to open up in the new super mall.

A brand new M&S store was also set to join the line up.

At the time the head of development for Westfield Europe said: “The Croydon Partnership is delighted to deliver two of the UK’s leading brands. This is a major milestone and is a demonstration of the strength of Croydon and the project.”

But looking at the town centre now, it is clear that businesses are struggling, not just with the uncertainty about the future of the current Whitgift Centre, but with the changing face of retail.

It is thought that this is part of the reason that Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield is ‘reviewing’ the Croydon scheme.

It is looking at providing fewer shops and more offices, restaurants and a hotel.

So we asked M&S and John Lewis whether they are still committed to plans for a Croydon Westfield.

Neither of them categorically said whether they are still on board but they also did not rule it out.

A spokesperson for M&S said: “We continue to have an interest in bringing a new store to the Croydon area and will update the community when we can.”

While a spokesperson for John Lewis said it is waiting to see the outcome of the review.

They said: “We look forward to hearing the outcome of the Croydon Partnership’s current review and will work with them once their future proposals become clearer.”

It is not yet known when the review will be completed but Croydon Council leader Tony Newman said he will be putting pressure on Westfield bosses to reveal the plans as soon as possible.